📰 NRL Match Preview: Rabbitohs vs Canberra Raiders RD20, 2026

The South Sydney Rabbitohs will travel to the nation's capital on Saturday afternoon, taking on the Canberra Raiders at GIO Stadium with kick-off set for 3:00pm (AEST) in round 20.

The Rabbitohs head into this clash sitting sixth on the ladder with nine wins and seven losses from 16 matches, holding a healthy points differential of plus 86. South Sydney will be keen to consolidate their position inside the top eight with seven rounds remaining in the regular season.

The Raiders sit in 12th position on the ladder with seven wins and 10 losses from 17 matches. However, Canberra are coming into this contest with some momentum, having won their last two games. They defeated the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs 40-16 in round 19 and the St. George Illawarra Dragons 24-16 in round 17.

There is plenty of excitement around the squad this week with the return of five-eighth Cody Walker and winger Alex Johnston to the starting side. Walker currently sits on 198 career try assists, just two away from the remarkable milestone of 200. With his creative ability in the halves alongside Ashton Ward, the Rabbitohs will be looking to generate plenty of opportunities out wide. With Walker and Johnston back in the side, the combination across the backline shapes as an exciting one for the Red and Green.

Cameron Murray captains the Rabbitohs from the lock position, with David Fifita and Euan Aitken named in the second row. Keaon Koloamatangi packs down in the front row alongside Junior Tatola.

South Sydney know that a win in Canberra would be a significant step towards securing their finals position. With key players returning and the team having won three of their last five, the Rabbitohs will be confident of reversing round six’s result.

Team Changes

Rabbitohs Head Coach Wayne Bennett has named a strong side for the trip to Canberra, with several key inclusions to the squad. Cody Walker returns to the starting side at five-eighth, combining with Ashton Ward in the halves. Alex Johnston also comes back into the team on the wing, returning from calf injury, wearing the number two jersey.

Bronson Garlick has been named on the interchange bench, while Edward Kosi and Thomas Fletcher are listed among the reserves. Dayne Jennings and Jayden Sullivan drop out of the squad from last week.

For the Canberra Raiders, Joseph Tapine captains the side from prop with experienced campaigners Josh Papalii and Hudson Young also named. Tom Starling provides an option at hooker off the interchange bench alongside the in-form Owen Pattie in the starting nine. Joe Roddy, Savelio Tamale and Sione Finau have all been added to the extended squad.

Match Details

Fixture: Canberra Raiders vs South Sydney Rabbitohs

Date: Saturday 18 July

Kick-off: 3:00pm (AEST)

Venue: GIO Stadium, Canberra

Where to Watch: Foxtel and Kayo